We are on our own unique journey
Some of us searching...
Some celebrating...
Some hoping...
Some praying...
As much as I hope Today I Pray can be a source of inspiration ...
I hope it can also be a resting place for those who visit
A place where you can find comfort
....share what's on your mind
...seek support
...and show support to others.
Life is so full of ups and downs
Find strength in knowing
You are not alone....
....we are all in this together.
Today I Pray
For a heart full of compassion
and understanding
For peace
And comfort in the knowledge
That despite the differences
We are the same
All searching for happiness, acceptance, and love
Help me every step of the way
To give and accept these blessings
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
March 14, 2013
September 20, 2009
Sharing the Love
Since I don't typically post on a Sunday, I hope you'll forgive me from abandoning my usual format to share this. Today I Pray received some "award" love! Kristen at Ladybug Blessings surprised me this morning with this award.
The directions for this award are as follows:
The directions for this award are as follows:
- Thank the person who gave it to you [thank you again Kristen!]
- Copy the logo & place on your blog
- Link the person who nominated you [which I hope would be done in thanking :)]
- Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know
- Nominate 7 kreativ bloggers [clearly the hardest part because there are so many wonderful bloggers out there!!]
- Post their links
- Tell them!
- I love organizing things.
- Despite this, I can be pretty disorganized at times.
- At Christmas time I bake about twelve different kinds of cookies (and they are delicious, if I do say so myself!).
- I love to knit (but can only make one thing well...a Prayer Shawl...go figure :-)
- Susan Branch is my creative inspiration -- she is living my dream.
- When I was little I had a cat named Leo (the Lion). The dogs in the neighborhood were afraid of him -- seriously.
- My dream home is little more than an old farmhouse with a huge kitchen, and a big wraparound porch overlooking a lake.
- Sema @ http://affirmart.blogspot.com/ -- she's so talented
- Superjaxter @ http://bloggingjax.blogspot.com/ (her kitty Oscar looks just like my Leo...but not nearly as ferocious!!)
- Judy @ http://justalittlesomethingforyou.blogspot.com/ (I wish she was my neighbor)
- Jill @ http://jmsmusings.blogspot.com/ (make sure you read her post called 100 Things About Me -- you'll see why she's so fun)
- Laura @ http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/ (just look, you'll see)
- Lorie @ http://encouragementfrommyheart.blogspot.com/ (you'll understand immediately why I like Lori's blog).
- Joye @ http://thejoyefuljourney.blogspot.com/ (-:
Kristen, thank you again for giving me this award. It means so much to me. I loved being able to share a little about me -- and I especially loved sharing the love!!
Now it's confession time. I actually received another award quite awhile ago, but I never did anything about it -- and for that I'm really very embarrassed. You see, at the time, I didn't think I could accept it. I was trying so hard to keep this blog in just the format that I had started, that I thought it didn't "fit."
When I received the award from Kristen this morning, all of the same thoughts went through my head -- but then something dawned on me...a thought really smacked me right over the head. This blog isn't about me controlling things -- it's about opening up my heart and trusting God's bigger plan. In this case, I needed to accept and receive the gift that was being given -- so that I could give something back in return.
Not that hard a concept -- but an ah ha moment that I felt I needed to share. Once again...mysterious ways.
I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. Thanks so much for being here.
"They will greet you and give you two wave offerings of bread, which you will take from them." 1 Samuel 10:4
September 18, 2009
Welcome Friends
I woke to a knock on my door
Two virtual strangers stood there
Unexpected guests
Asking to come in
My house was a mess
But I opened the door
"Please come in"
I led them to the kitchen
Where they joined me at the table
They spoke to me kindly
And instantly I was at peace
We sat for quite awhile
and spoke freely
of hopes and dreams
And before long
These strangers became friends
As they were leaving
I thanked them for stopping by
And told them how their visit
Boosted my spirit
In ways
I never could have imagined
They promised me they'd be back
And that next time
...they'd bring friends
I assured them
there would always be room
at the table
I watched my new friends
As they headed off down the road
When they were finally out of sight
I closed the door
And stood there with a tear in my eye
And a smile on my face
Humbled
Blessed
Ever amazed
...By the way
You answer prayers
Today I Pray...
...with a grateful heart
For Christie and Lorraine at The BlogRollers...
Thank you for knocking at the door
...and asking me to be your featured blogger today
...then coming back and bringing your friends
For new friends...
...Thanks for stopping by
Take some time
Explore
Seek some inspiration of your own
And please, come back and visit again
For my old friends who keep coming back
...and showing your support
Thank you for being here
through all my ups and downs
It's an amazing journey that I'm on
and I'm blessed that you're walking it with me
And above everything today...
...I turn my gaze to the heavens
Humbled, blessed, ever-amazed...
...I've been asking,
and today You answered loud and clear.
Two virtual strangers stood there
Unexpected guests
Asking to come in
My house was a mess
But I opened the door
"Please come in"
I led them to the kitchen
Where they joined me at the table
They spoke to me kindly
And instantly I was at peace
We sat for quite awhile
and spoke freely
of hopes and dreams
And before long
These strangers became friends
As they were leaving
I thanked them for stopping by
And told them how their visit
Boosted my spirit
In ways
I never could have imagined
They promised me they'd be back
And that next time
...they'd bring friends
I assured them
there would always be room
at the table
I watched my new friends
As they headed off down the road
When they were finally out of sight
I closed the door
And stood there with a tear in my eye
And a smile on my face
Humbled
Blessed
Ever amazed
...By the way
You answer prayers
Today I Pray...
...with a grateful heart
For Christie and Lorraine at The BlogRollers...
Thank you for knocking at the door
...and asking me to be your featured blogger today
...then coming back and bringing your friends
For new friends...
...Thanks for stopping by
Take some time
Explore
Seek some inspiration of your own
And please, come back and visit again
For my old friends who keep coming back
...and showing your support
Thank you for being here
through all my ups and downs
It's an amazing journey that I'm on
and I'm blessed that you're walking it with me
And above everything today...
...I turn my gaze to the heavens
Humbled, blessed, ever-amazed...
...I've been asking,
and today You answered loud and clear.
September 14, 2009
A Prayer for Aimee
Aimee - pronounced ay-MEE,
of French origin meaning: "Beloved Friend"
She said her ears were failing
She said her eyes were weak
...for my new friend Aimee,
...for my Dad,
"With three things I am delighted, for they are pleasing to the Lord and to men: Harmony among brethren, friendship among neighbors, and the mutual love of husband and wife." Sirach 25:1
I met a special woman
"Young lady" oh so wise
Her words were like a melody
And God's light shone in her eyes
She said her ears were failing
Yet somehow she could hear
Kindness all around her
Joy, both far and near
She said her eyes were weak
Yet somehow she could see
Goodness in her neighbors
And the heart of true beauty
Sitting there beside her
The sunlight in her hair
I knew that God was with us
She was a living prayer
I met a special woman
"Young lady" oh so wise
Her words were like a melody
And God's light shone in her eyes
Today I Pray...
...for my new friend Aimee,
thank you for sharing the joy that is on your heart
your attitude uplifts and heals the people around you
...for my Dad,
thank you for being such a fighter
and giving your all to getting better for your family
...for my Mom,
...for my Mom,
thank you for loving and giving so much of yourself
to everyone you meet.
You will never know how many lives you've touched
just by being you. Every day you make the world a better place
...to God,
thank you for sending so many amazing blessings into my life
"With three things I am delighted, for they are pleasing to the Lord and to men: Harmony among brethren, friendship among neighbors, and the mutual love of husband and wife." Sirach 25:1
September 5, 2009
She Is
She is the one
who cheers for you
She is a good soul in your life
...and she is human.
when you succeed
And the one
who holds your hand
when you are scared
She is the one you lean on
She is strong
She is the rock
She is the voice of reason
...and encouragement
She is also the one...
who bites her lip
so that you won't see it quiver
and swallows hard
past the lump in her throat
The one who turns away
so that you won't see
the tears that have welled up in her eyes
the one who worries
long after you've fallen asleep
She is...
Your mother
Your sister
Your daughter
Your wife
Your aunt
Your cousin
Your teacher
Your partner
....Your friend
She is a good soul in your life
...and she is human.
So be gentle...and handle with care.
image from Google images
Today I Pray...
with a joy-filled and gracious heart
...for the amazing women in my life
Thank you for your showing me...
...generosity of spirit
...hope and faith
...kindness
...trust
...sisterhood
...loyalty
...friendship
...strength
...and unconditional love
"Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee." Genesis 12:13
August 10, 2009
My Little Place
I stood on the porch
Looking out
at my little place
on this earth
and the celebration
at hand
A day for my daughter
to celebrate her accomplishments
and her future
To the right,
gathered 'round the table
a group of women
...mothers, sisters, daughters, friends
New friends being made
Memories being shared
Laughter
Behind them a garden
Bursts of color
Pink, yellow, green, purple, red
Butterflies fluttering
Looking in through the kitchen window
More family and friends
Filling their plates with food
Taking time to enjoy the memories
That flooded back as they looked
At colorful photo displays
Coming from the living room
The roar of celebration
And the sighs of despair
As a dozen avid baseball fans
Watched their team
Dominate or deflate before their eyes
Regardless of the outcome of the game
Friends of all ages
emerged from the house
And poured into the back yard
To join one of the games at hand
Horseshoes clanked,
Bases were run
Balls were thrown
Those that didn't play
Tapped their toes and danced
to the beat
of music that flooded the air
From the heavens
...Not the forecasted rain
But beams of sun
And a cool breeze
circling round
I stood on the porch
Looking out
at my little place
on this earth
Everywhere I looked
...I saw blessings
Today I Pray...
...with gratitude
for a wonderful weekend with family and friends
...thank you for the joy you bring into my life
...for your kindness, your laughter, and your spirit
...to those who helped me pray for good weather
God heard us and answered
...for my wonderful family
who stuck with me and helped me
every step of the way
The weekend was teamwork at its finest
and I love you dearly
My life is filled
with blessings
...too abundant to count
I'm humbled and grateful...
...Life is good.
Looking out
at my little place
on this earth
and the celebration
at hand
A day for my daughter
to celebrate her accomplishments
and her future
To the right,
gathered 'round the table
a group of women
...mothers, sisters, daughters, friends
New friends being made
Memories being shared
Laughter
Behind them a garden
Bursts of color
Pink, yellow, green, purple, red
Butterflies fluttering
Looking in through the kitchen window
More family and friends
Filling their plates with food
Taking time to enjoy the memories
That flooded back as they looked
At colorful photo displays
Coming from the living room
The roar of celebration
And the sighs of despair
As a dozen avid baseball fans
Watched their team
Dominate or deflate before their eyes
Regardless of the outcome of the game
Friends of all ages
emerged from the house
And poured into the back yard
To join one of the games at hand
Horseshoes clanked,
Bases were run
Balls were thrown
Those that didn't play
Tapped their toes and danced
to the beat
of music that flooded the air
From the heavens
...Not the forecasted rain
But beams of sun
And a cool breeze
circling round
I stood on the porch
Looking out
at my little place
on this earth
Everywhere I looked
...I saw blessings
Today I Pray...
...with gratitude
for a wonderful weekend with family and friends
...thank you for the joy you bring into my life
...for your kindness, your laughter, and your spirit
...to those who helped me pray for good weather
God heard us and answered
...for my wonderful family
who stuck with me and helped me
every step of the way
The weekend was teamwork at its finest
and I love you dearly
My life is filled
with blessings
...too abundant to count
I'm humbled and grateful...
...Life is good.
July 30, 2009
When Angels Speak
Sometimes it's the flutter
of a butterfly's wings
Or the chorus of birds
in the trees
It's a pet's gentle purr
or wagging tail
A child's innocent eyes
silly giggles
popcicle kisses
and goodnight hugs
When angels speak
...Your heart smiles
Screeching brakes
without a crash
The phone call
to say "I've arrived"
A soldier's
first step on home soil
When angels speak
...Your heart beats
It's a cool breeze
on a sticky summer day
that wraps itself around you
like a scarf in winter
It's the hush
of a quiet morning
And the serenity
of a starry night
When angels speak
...You are soothed
It's the outstretched hand
that asks for help
The ones who inspire you
...to think
...to dig deeper
...to share generously
...to be more
....than you ever imagined
When angels speak
...Your heart soars
Today I Pray...
...with immeasurable gratitude
for the angels who have spoken
to me over the years
...some have names
...others just are
They've guided and protected
the ones I love
They've taken my breath away
with their beauty
And taught me to breathe
through anxious times
They've brought tears of joy
to my eyes
And helped me find peace
in the darkest hours
Today I also say a special prayer
for Kristin
...in your quest for clarity
please know
that you are an angel
who delivered
peace, hope and joy
Whatever I can do in return
for you...
would be a gift to me
of a butterfly's wings
Or the chorus of birds
in the trees
It's a pet's gentle purr
or wagging tail
A child's innocent eyes
silly giggles
popcicle kisses
and goodnight hugs
When angels speak
...Your heart smiles
Screeching brakes
without a crash
The phone call
to say "I've arrived"
A soldier's
first step on home soil
When angels speak
...Your heart beats
It's a cool breeze
on a sticky summer day
that wraps itself around you
like a scarf in winter
It's the hush
of a quiet morning
And the serenity
of a starry night
When angels speak
...You are soothed
It's the outstretched hand
that asks for help
The ones who inspire you
...to think
...to dig deeper
...to share generously
...to be more
....than you ever imagined
When angels speak
...Your heart soars
Today I Pray...
...with immeasurable gratitude
for the angels who have spoken
to me over the years
...some have names
...others just are
They've guided and protected
the ones I love
They've taken my breath away
with their beauty
And taught me to breathe
through anxious times
They've brought tears of joy
to my eyes
And helped me find peace
in the darkest hours
Today I also say a special prayer
for Kristin
...in your quest for clarity
please know
that you are an angel
who delivered
peace, hope and joy
Whatever I can do in return
for you...
would be a gift to me
July 2, 2009
If I Haven't Told You Lately
If I haven't told you lately
You're very special to me
You make my life better
You are a radiant beam of sun
Blazing through grey skies
You are sparkling eyes
And laughter
You are strength
when I'm weak
You are grace
You are truth
You are light
You are you
...and I am blessed.
I Believe.
You're very special to me
You make my life better
You are a radiant beam of sun
Blazing through grey skies
You are sparkling eyes
And laughter
You are strength
when I'm weak
You are grace
You are truth
You are light
You are you
...and I am blessed.
Today I Pray...
...with a grateful heart
for the many blessings in my life
Breathe your grace into my soul
For with you
I know that anything is possible
...without you I am lost
I Believe.
June 26, 2009
For You
As sure as the sun rises
This prayer is for you
Thank you for being here
For tuning in
and standing close
Sharing yourself
so that I'm not standing here
Exposed
Afraid
...and Alone
I am forever grateful
...for you
Today I Pray...
...for you
May your days be filled with peace
Your life abundant with joy
May you look around
And appreciate the beauty
And know exactly where to turn
If you lose your way
Thank you
for helping me be a better person
Thank you
for being my friend
This prayer is for you
Thank you for being here
For tuning in
and standing close
Sharing yourself
so that I'm not standing here
Exposed
Afraid
...and Alone
I am forever grateful
...for you
Today I Pray...
...for you
May your days be filled with peace
Your life abundant with joy
May you look around
And appreciate the beauty
And know exactly where to turn
If you lose your way
Thank you
for helping me be a better person
Thank you
for being my friend
May 8, 2009
I Am Blessed
Yesterday I introduced many of my closest friends and family to Today I Pray, and I was overwhelmed by the support and very kind responses that filled my inbox. One of my high school friends sent a beautiful blessing back to me -- and with her permission, I am sharing it with you.
Debbie wrote:
I am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
Today I Pray...
...that each day I remember to count my blessings out loud.
Debbie wrote:
Here is a blessing for you from the Bible (New Living Translation)
Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
I am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
Today I Pray...
...that each day I remember to count my blessings out loud.
May 7, 2009
Friends
Today I Pray...
...for my friends.
Whether we speak often, periodically, or hardly ever at all
...you are on my mind and forever in my heart.
Our friendship is a coveted treasure -- like a pile of jewels.
And each time I open that treasure chest the jewels shine brightly.
I pray that today you feel the peace that comes from knowing that you are loved.
I pray that today any burdens you bear are lifted...
and that you delight in the beauty that surrounds you
....the beauty that is you.
You have been a gift in my life and I'm so grateful for you.
You've held my hand...
...you've laughed with me
...you've cried with me
...you've listened
...you've shared
You've helped me become me -- and for that I am grateful.
Today my prayers are dedicated to you.
The radiant lights in my life.
My friends....
...my treasures.
Amen!
...for my friends.
Whether we speak often, periodically, or hardly ever at all
...you are on my mind and forever in my heart.
Our friendship is a coveted treasure -- like a pile of jewels.
And each time I open that treasure chest the jewels shine brightly.
I pray that today you feel the peace that comes from knowing that you are loved.
I pray that today any burdens you bear are lifted...
and that you delight in the beauty that surrounds you
....the beauty that is you.
You have been a gift in my life and I'm so grateful for you.
You've held my hand...
...you've laughed with me
...you've cried with me
...you've listened
...you've shared
You've helped me become me -- and for that I am grateful.
Today my prayers are dedicated to you.
The radiant lights in my life.
My friends....
...my treasures.
Amen!
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